On the occasion of Ukraine’s Independence Day, which falls on August 24, President Vladimir Zelensky congratulated Ukrainians on the holiday. He recorded his video message in the Sumy region, near the place where Russia launched its offensive against Ukraine.
The video message was posted on the Ukrainian leader’s Telegram channel.
“Dear people! Ukrainians always pay their debts. And whoever wanted trouble for our land will get it with interest. Whoever wants to sow evil on our land will reap its fruits on its territory. No gloating, no blind revenge. And their launching began near the place where I am recording this appeal, a few kilometers from our border between life and death.
In addition, Vladimir Zelensky recalled that 913 days ago Russia invaded Ukraine through the Sumy region and violated the borders. It is from the Kursk region that the Russian Federation constantly shells the territory of the Ukrainian state, which is why Kiev was forced to create a buffer zone to protect the population.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine will respond with dignity and symmetry, and any part of the Russian Federation that threatens Ukrainians will be repaid. At the same time, the Ukrainian president noted that he would not allow the country to become a “grey zone” where the blue and yellow flag should be flying. He stressed that Ukraine will decide its own path and will not be subject to threats from Russia.
“The sick grandfather of Red Square, who constantly threatens everyone with a red button, will not dictate to us some of his red lines. Only Ukraine and Ukrainians will determine for themselves how to live, what path to follow and what choice to make. Because this is how independence works,” Zelensky stressed.
The President also noted that the world sees how Russia treats its citizens and its military, while Ukrainian soldiers help the local population, demonstrating Ukraine’s dignity and civilization.
Earlier, Kursor reported that Zelensky named the target of the operation in the Kursk region for the first time since it began on August 6.
